Global shipments of liquid crystal display (LCD) TV panels are predicted to grow to 42 million units this year, an increase of 55 per cent on 2005, according to industry analyst DisplaySearch.

Both LG Philips, the world's biggest LCD television producer, and second placed Samsung are increasing their production of LCD screen televisions, according to Reuters.

Despite analysts expecting LG.Philips to announce poor profit figures next week, they are also predicting that a further drop in prices during the second quarter will spark greater demand for the televisions during the second half of the year.

Several of the world's leading LCD television producers are boosting the number of units produced as they expect a forthcoming growth in demand for LCD televisions, Reuters said.

The LCD glass used in these televisions is the most intensive user of platinum and rhodium per unit of any glass, due to the harsh conditions under which the raw materials for the glass are melted.

It is also a result of the high quality of glass required, which can be as little as half a millimetre thick.


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